Cricket News

Washington Sundar doubtful for the Zimbabwe tour due to injury

India all-rounder Washington Sundar, who recently suffered a shoulder injury during a List A game in Manchester, England, is doubtful for India’s tour of Zimbabwe, where the team will play three ODIs. The KL Rahul-led Indian side left for Zimbabwe on Saturday morning with VVS Laxman, who is the acting head coach for the tour. However, Sundar, who was to fly to Harare from the UK, looks a doubtful proposition due to his fitness, a Cricbuzz report said.

Sundar injured his left shoulder while diving on the field during a Royal London One-Day match between Lancashire and Worcestershire at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

The Lancashire County Cricket Club, whom he represented in County Cricket, posted an update on social media. “@Sundarwashi5 has left the field after receiving treatment on his left shoulder following a heavy landing (sic),” Lancashire County Cricket Club said in a tweet.

Meanwhile, National Cricket Academy NCA head VVS Laxman has been asked to coach the team in the absence of regular coach Rahul Dravid, who has been given a break on completion of a hectic two-month tour of England, West Indies, and the USA. Among other members of the support staff traveling to Harare are Sairaj Bahutule and Hrishikesh Kanitkar. 

KL Rahul, on the other hand, was a last-minute addition to the 15-member squad announced, earlier, under the captaincy of Shikhar Dhawan. It has been learned that KL Rahul was added on the request of Rahul Dravid to ensure that the batter has vital match-time ahead of the Asia Cup, which immediately follows the Zimbabwe games.

India will play three ODIs, which is a part of the Super League for the Cricket Governing Body, which will take place in Zimbabwe on August 18, 20, and 22, at the Harare Sports Club. Zimbabwe has hit a good run of form off late. They beat Bangladesh in both ODI and Twenty20 International home series, that concluded on August 10.